CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nearly a month after the Copa América soccer matches drew huge crowds to the Queen City, another global audience will be at Bank of America Stadium on Tuesday night to watch a friendly match between Chelsea FC and Real Madrid FC.
It's part of the Soccer Champions Tour, which brings the world's best soccer clubs to North American cities for a series of friendly exhibitions. Tepper Sports & Entertainment has expressed excitement in bringing the tour to Uptown in hopes of growing the game and Charlotte's reputation as a soccer city.
Tuesday's match will be Chelsea's second appearance in Charlotte in three years. Real Madrid is making its first stop in Charlotte.
Real Madrid FC manager Carlo Ancelotti said despite spending a few days in Charlotte, the team hasn't had much opportunity to explore the Queen City.
"Unfortunately, we don't have the possibility to look around because we arrive to the hotel, train and back to the hotel," he said. "I know Charlotte is a fantastic place and I would like in the future to spend some time on holiday."
The friendly matchup is on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 7 p.m. so expect traffic and a lot of occupied parking spots in and around Uptown at that time. The sinkhole that formed on South Cedar Street near West Morehead Street is still blocked as crews continue repairs, and it's likely to impact traffic near the stadium.
Tickets for the game are also still available online for as low as $75.
Contact Destiny Richards at drichards5@wcnc.com and follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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